Man and woman in 20s treated for smoke inhalation following fire in flat in London Road, Southborough, near Tunbridge Wells
Published: 10:15, 18 October 2014
Updated: 10:39, 18 October 2014
Two people needed medical treatment after their television caught fire.
The blaze broke out at 5.12am in a first floor flat in London Road, Southborough, close to Tunbridge Wells.
The man and a woman, both in their early 20s, tried to cover the blaze with a wet duvet and were left needing oxygen therapy for smoke inhalation.
They were passed to the care of ambulance crews for further checks.
It is believed the fire started in wiring to a television before spreading to nearby clothing.
Part of the lounge was damaged by the blaze and half of the flat was smoke damaged.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service sent two crews to the two-storey property and used a thermal imaging camera to ensure the fire was out.
They also used a fan to clear the property of smoke. A fire alarm warned and everyone was out of the property when crews arrived.
Tunbridge Wells firefighter Graham Knight said: “Thankfully, the fire alarm alerted residents to this blaze, enabling them to get out and promptly raise the alarm, however we would ask people to consider the potential risks of injury to themselves when they discover a fire in their home.
“While it is natural to want to try and tackle a fire yourself, it is easy to underestimate just how overpowering fire smoke can be. Just three breaths can knock you unconscious.”
“Our advice is to leave the property as soon as you can to minimise the risk of injury, closing doors behind you where possible, to reduce the spread of smoke and to help contain the fire.”
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James Walker